Vikas Shah appointed chair of GS1 UK as Chris Tyas steps down

Entrepreneur Vikas Shah MBE DL has been named the new chair of GS1 UK.

He joins as the organisation gets ready for major change across industry, including the transition to QR codes powered by GS1 and the arrival of Digital Product Passports.

GS1 standards, used by more than 60,000 organisations, allow people, products and places to be uniquely identified, described and tracked.

Shah succeeds Chris Tyas OBE, who is standing down after 8 years in the chair and more than 22 years' involvement with GS1 in the UK and globally.

“It has been a privilege to serve as chair of GS1 UK and to work alongside such a committed community of members, colleagues and partners,” said Tyas.

“I am proud of what we have achieved together and grateful for the support I have received over the years. I am delighted to hand over to Vikas and have every confidence in the future of GS1 UK under his leadership.”

Shah works as an entrepreneur, investor and non-executive director. He founded Greater Manchester's Swiscot Group, where he was formerly CEO, and is co-founder and director of End Game.

'The common language'

“I am honoured to have been elected chair of GS1 UK at an important moment for industry,” he said.

“The opportunities and challenges facing organisations today increasingly come back to data. Whether it is transparency, traceability, sustainability, digital trade or artificial intelligence, success depends on being able to identify, capture and share trusted information consistently.”

“For more than 50 years, GS1 standards have provided the common language that helps businesses do exactly that. They are not an obstacle to progress. They are what make progress possible.”

He added that he was looking forward to working with members, partners and colleagues: “as we build on the strong foundations already in place and begin GS1 UK’s next chapter.”

Anne Godfrey, chief executive of GS1 UK, said: “Vikas brings entrepreneurial experience, strong governance credentials and a practical understanding of how standards are used by businesses.”

“He understands the challenges organisations are facing and the role trusted data can play in helping them respond. As we look ahead to the next phase of our strategy, his perspective and experience will help us continue supporting our members while strengthening our role as a trusted partner to industry and government.”